Page 1 Lakota Middle School Falcons - Federal Way Public Schools

Lakota Middle School
1415 SW 314th St
Federal Way, WA 98023
(253) 945-4800
www.fwps.org/lakota
Page 1
Lakota Middle School
Falcons
November/December 2012
Pam Tuggle, Principal
Michael McCarthy, Assistant Principal
Lakota Calendar
Highlights From The Principal—Pam Tuggle
Greetings Lakota Families,
As we are approaching the Holiday Season of giving, sharing, and being thankful
for our families and loved ones during the months of November and December,
I want to take this time to express to you how thankful I am for our Lakota
School Community, which includes our students, families, staff and community
members. First of all, thank you Federal Way Community for approving the
Capital Levy. As we are well within the 21 st century, our schools must provide
opportunities for students to learn, grow, explore and problem‐solve 21 st
century challenges. I believe they have the mental capacity and tools to do just
that, but sometimes our physical resources can limit opportunities. So, again,
thank you for your votes. At Lakota, our students are becoming global thinkers
and moving toward being leaders in this 21 st century. Recently, our Integrated
Environmental Sustainability Academy (ISEA) experienced “outdoor school.”
The 6 th and 7 th grade students in this Academy went to Islandwood for three
days. They were accompanied by Ms. Storms, Ms. Conklin, Mr. Johnson, Mr.
Neese and Ms. Sukola. The reports were that the students had so much fun
“learning” all about our environment and how to maintain/sustain it; they came
back with huge plans to create an even “greener” Lakota and ideas for our
community garden. The three days were packed full of experiential learning
and our students did an outstanding job at outdoor camp. Rumor has it that
some brave souls even “kissed a slug.” During that same week, our 7 th grade Arts
Academy students learned about the artistic expression of ballet. They
attended the Harlem Ballet Group at Moore Theatre in downtown Seattle.
Celebrating 30 years as a dance theatre, these young artists provided a cultural
experience in the Arts that most Lakota students have never been able to enjoy.
Once again, our young Falcons did an amazing job representing our school.
By the end of the program, our students realized that ballet is much more than
just traditional and classical dance, but that it can be integrated into hip‐hop,
jazz and contemporary dance, which requires a lot of athletic ability.
November
5—2nd Sports Season Begins
8/9—No School—Student Led Conferences
12—No School—Veterans Day
22/23—No school—Thanksgiving Break
December
24— Jan - 4 No school—Winter Break
January
21—No School—Martin Luther King Jr. Day
31—No School—Data Day
February
1-No School—Semester Break
4-Sports Season 3 Starts
18/19-No School—Mid Winter Break
March
15-No School-Teacher In-Service
April
1-5-No School-Spring Break
15-Sports Season 4 Starts
18/19-Student Led Conferences
May
3-No School-Data Day
27-No School-Memorial Day
28-No School-Snow Make Up Day (if needed)
June
18-Last Day of School-Early Dismissal
School Hours
8:00—2:45
Office Hours
7:30—3:30

Lakota Middle School
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Principal’s Corner—Pam Tuggle (Cont.)
Currently, our 6 th grade students are preparing a trip to experience the famous “King Tut” exhibit at the Science
Center in Seattle. I am very confident that our students will be fascinated as they go back in time by 5,000 years,
to the “Golden Age” when Egypt was at the height of power and artistry. This learning is in alignment with the 6 th
grade Social Studies Power Standards and learning targets, so what better way to learn than to experience it.
Another expression of giving is the Food Drive sponsored by our Honor Society. This is the time of year that our
area food banks need the most help and support, so once again, our Lakota School Community steps up to help
meet the need. Thank you to all families who have contributed. In addition to food, we are also collecting new
toys, books and games up until Winter Break, so we can help needy families in our immediate area. So, our
students not only think about local help and giving, but global help and support as well. With the WE DAY
SEATTLE (visit www.weday.com to learn more) approaching us on March 27 th , our students are earning their way
through service‐learning with “actions” that impact our community and our world. Ask your student about the
“We Act” program through the “Free the Children” movement. You may remember our students were privileged
to attend the assembly at Decatur High School and then again at Federal Way High School launching this Northwest
movement to help our world. Check it out. We have three student Ambassadors that are leading the way at
Lakota. Many thanks to Ayana Freeman, Wesley Nguyen and Sasha Stroud who gladly gave up a day at home to
attend leadership training all day with other students from middle schools and high schools at the district office.
They did an excellent job of “action planning” for Lakota. True leadership is definitely unselfish and these young
Falcons were such a demonstration of true leadership. Talking about “leadership,” have you checked out our new
“TTV…Talon TV?” Our leadership class, under the direction of Ms. Smith, creates videos of the most recent
“happenings” at Lakota. You can view TTV on YouTube or go to Lakota website at http://schools.fwps.org/lakota.
You may want to get an autograph now, because you never know who may be famous someday.
I cannot continue talking about “giving” without showing appreciation to our Lakota PTSA. Under the leadership
of Theo Butler, JayLynn Homer, Stephanie Hardin, Melissa Pederson and Tamara Vera (Board members), who are
always thinking up new ways to involve families and support our school, many scholarships have been provided
for field trips, hoodies and sports, already this year. We have 100% membership of our staff and we want to
continue to grow. It is never too late to join the Lakota PTSA. Membership forms are on our website and in the
main foyer of the school. If you can join, then, please support with your partnership. It is greatly appreciated. Our
PTSA recently sponsored our Book Fair during the Student‐Led Conferences. Muchas Gracias Lakota PTSA!
Of course, I must make mention of and also brag on our Cambridge and Technology Academies, because they are
demonstrating outstanding leadership in their own right. Working hard to excel in academics and integrating
IPad technology into their daily educational endeavors, these students’ talents are astounding. Preparing for
college now is not too early for these young people. On Thursday, November 29 th at 6:30 pm in the Lakota Commons,
please come and hear about how you can begin preparations now, to get your student into the college of
their choice with minimal financial requirements through scholarships and grants. Charlie Hoff, former School
Board member will be presenting just how you can make this a reality for your student. Please join us!
I sincerely wish you all blessings in the upcoming season where we celebrate many different holidays and events.
Our last day of school before Winter Break is Friday, December 21 st . It is a regular school day, so school will dismiss
at the normal time. The first day back to school will be Monday, January 7, 2013. Stay safe in your travels,
enjoy your families and Happy New Year!
Pam Tuggle, Principal

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Assistant Principal’s Corner—Michael McCarthy
As the Assistant Principal, I often encourage students to become involved in activities outside of the
school day. Research shows that students who are engaged in extra-curricular activities have higher self
-esteem, achieve at higher levels in the classroom, and learn to set and attain personal goals at a much
higher rate than students that do not participate in extra-curricular activities. I can speak from
experience; I was a student that would not have made it through school if I had not been motivated to
compete on the Baseball Diamond, the football field or on the basketball court. What is great about
Lakota is that we have so many options for students. Everyday something is happening around campus
that students are excited about. We offer a Lego Robotics Club, video production club, Spanish club,
homework club, jazz band, Latino Leadership club and many more. Our current sports season (which
began November 5 th ), offers 6 th , 7 th and 8 th Grade girls basketball and 6-8 th grade boys and girls wrestling.
February brings Boy’s Basketball and Girls Gymnastics to Lakota and the Spring Sports Season
brings Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Track and Field, and Boy’s Baseball. Whether it is a sport or an
after school club, your student is sure to meet friends, learn or refine a skill and continue to make
Lakota a fantastic place to grow. For more information on Lakota’s extra-curricular options, please visit
our website.
Technology from Home
As the holiday season approaches and students return to school with new found objects attached to their
hands, we wanted offer a few reminders about personal electronic equipment and its use here at Lakota.
First and foremost, Lakota Middle School and the Federal Way Public Schools cannot assume responsibility
for items that are lost or stolen here at school. To prevent the unfortunate loss, if you do allow
your child to bring electronic devices to school, please clearly mark the device and carry insurance that
would cover the loss of the equipment. Second, any electronic device that is brought to school should be
used for educational purposes only while on campus. Using a phone to call or text message friends and
family, browsing the internet for purposes other than schoolwork or listening to music without teacher
permission are all examples of activities not permitted at Lakota. Finally, Teachers have the discretion
to allow or disallow students the use of any electronic device within their classroom; please have your
student ask his/her teacher before using the electronic device.

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Assistant Principal’s Corner—Michael McCarthy (Cont.)
Uniform Policy Reminders
What newsletter could be complete without a message about the Lakota Standardized Dress Policy? As
the temperature continues to drop, we want to remind you that coats and other non Lakota Wear tops
are not to be worn by students while in the common areas and hallways of our school. For the safety of
all students, staff must be able to visibly see who is on our “Team” as well as identify any others that do
not belong on campus by the clothing each child is wearing. To stay warm, your child is welcome to wear
a coat inside his/her classroom; wear black, white, or red long sleeve undershirts. We encourage all
students to purchase a Lakota Wear sweatshirt from the main office or from the PTA. Crewneck
sweatshirts with the Lakota logo are just $11.00 and “hoodie” sweatshirts sponsored by the PTA are
$30.00. Thanks for helping keep our school safe
Final Notes
If you have any questions about what is above or anything that pertains to safety, student discipline or
your child’s coursework, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at mmccarth@fwps.org or
(253) 945-4815. You may also make an appointment to meet in person by calling Lakota’s Coordinator of
Office Operations, Mrs. Denise Dagley at (253) 945-4801. We value your feedback and appreciate your
support. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Mike McCarthy
Assistant Principal
mmccarth@fwps.org
253 945-4815

Lakota Middle School
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Lakota Library News
We are off to a wonderful start here in the Lakota Library! Many students are checking out books
before/after school, and during lunch transition time. Language Arts teachers are bringing in
classes so their students can check out engaging novels. If you haven’t been by the library lately,
it’s time to come “check it out”! The library hours are 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Please make sure library books are returned on time! The overdue fee is $.10 a day per book.
That can add up fast if you have more than one book checked out at a time. If you have any
library book or textbook at home that was checked out to you last year, please return it ASAP!
Those fines can be quite large, but will be removed from your library account once the book or
textbook is returned. Library notices will be handed out during Student Led Conferences
(November 8 th and 9 th ). Please try to return overdue books and pay any fines before conferences.
More info…..Speaking of SLC’s… please take time to go through the Scholastic Book Fair. There
will be great books to buy for your own enjoyment or as wonderful gifts for friends and loved ones.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about books your student has checked out from
the library, please call the library at 253-945-4810. Happy Reading!
Ms. Picatti-Baker, Librarian
Mrs. Christopherson, Librarian Assistant
ASB News…
Our wonderful ASB sponsored an assembly for Veteran's Day on November 7th. Students included
pictures of family members who are Veterans in our Lakota slide show. Presenting colors
was the Federal Way Junior High School Air Force Junior ROTC under the direction of Captain
Jeremy McMahon. Lakota’s 6th Grade choir perfomed “We Honor Those Who Served” while our
7th and 8th grade choirs performed “Thank you Soldiers” with Lakota’s Orchestra. Special
thanks to Major Gouevia, our keynote speaker.
Lakota’s Thanksgiving food drive was scheduled from November 12th through 16th. Students
and staff alike were very responsive in supporting the drive which proved to be very successful.

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Choir
The first choir concert of the year was held on November 1, in the Lakota cafeteria All three grade level
choirs presented music along with an explanation of what learning targets each singer and each choir is
currently working on. The concert was titled, "Meet the Choirs". The concert was a great performance
and audience opportunity for our choral students. As the students listened to each other, they were observing
the skills they have been working on and doing their own assessments of what they heard and
observed.
The large-choir pieces were presented along with two pieces by smaller ensembles. The "Star Spangled
Banner" and the song "Everything is Beautiful" were sung by these ensembles. The ensemble singers
practice after and before school. The seventh grade choir accompanied their "The Old Soft Shoe" with
individual rhythm lines, composed and performed by the singers. The 7th and 8th grade choirs combined
to sing "Thank You, Soliders", a piece they will sing for the Veteran's Day Assembly on Nov. 7.
For the assembly, the Lakota Orchestra will accompany the combined choirs.
The next scheduled evening choir concert will be presented on January 15 and will feature seasonal and
winter songs. Please come join the audience. Choir concerts are from 7 to 8 PM.
Lakota is proud to announce that four of our orchestra students have been accepted to perform in the
2013 Jr. All-State Orchestra. Many students sent in pre-recorded auditions of challenging music to a
panel of judges to try for acceptance for this prestigious honor.
Students selected for this honor are Ellie Kim, Megyn Stellick, Richard Chung and Nick DeLuca with
Honorable Mention going to Sasha Stroud, Lyla Klein and Jasmine Stroud.
Congratulations to all of our honored students!

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Homework Help!
WHERE? Room 2205 on Mon and Thurs!
Room 1105 on Tues and Wed!
WHEN? Monday thru Thursday’s! From 2:45-3:45
HOW? How can we help? We are there to help you
SUCCEED in all of your classes!
Snacks are included!
INSTRUCTIONAL COMMITTEE INFORMATION
The FWPS is seeking parents and community members interested in serving on the Instructional
Materials Committee. This committee:
Reviews requests for District adoptions of district-wide basic instructional materials and
make
recommendations to the Superintendent, and
Reviews requests for review of currently District approved and utilized instructional
materials and make recommendations to the Superintendent.
The committee will meet as needed, but no less than quarterly.
Committee members must be willing to serve for a two year period of time.
Interested parents and community members need to submit a letter of interest to Dr. Christine Corbley
at ccorbley@fwps.org by November 15, 2012. New members will be contacted not later than November
21st.

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Parent Guidelines for Attendance
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
Please call the attendance line at 253-945-4812 to report a student’s absence. This phone line will record
messages 24 hours a day. Please send your student with a note when they return from their absence including
date(s) of the absence(s) and parent or guardian signature.
MAKE UP HOMEWORK FOR ABSENCES
Our teachers at Lakota are set up on a homework hotline. You can contact this hotline by dialing their
number and homework for that day will be on a recording.
TARDINESS
School starts at 8:00 am and ends at 2:45. Students arriving after 8:00am must report to the attendance
office with a parents note. The parent may also call the attendance line to report the tardy or come to the
attendance office with the student and sign him or her in. Students without notes will be unexcused.
Multiple tardies may result in disciplinary action.
EARLY DISMISSAL
If your child will be leaving early for an appointment:
Have your child bring a note to the attendance office first thing in the morning that includes a parent/
guardian signature and the time you would like to have him/her dismissed. The student will be issued a
pass and will be waiting at the attendance office at the time indicated on the note.
Sometimes appointments come up at the last minute and we will only ask to give us as much advanced
notice as you can. If you call the attendance office far enough in advance we will get a pass out to your
student so that they can be here when you arrive.
Parents must check in to our attendance office to pick up their student. Please be prepared to show
picture identification. Students will ONLY be released to adults listed on the Yellow Emergency Card.
Rose Ancheta
Attendance Secretary
253-945-4812

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Lakota Sports Season # 2
Come on out and help us support our student-athletes.
This season is girls basketball and wrestling.
Our sports schedules are posted on our website, but also announced in the daily
announcements which are also posted on our website each day.
So, get jiggy with it and come on out for some sports action!
GO FALCONS !!
___________________________________________________________________
Storming the Sound with Salmon…comes to Lakota
Watch for it coming in January 2013!
_________________________________________________________________
SLEEP COUNTRY SECRET SANTA
Lakota Middle School will collaborate with Sleep Country Secret
Santa
to collect new toys or books for local foster children.
The drive will run from December 10-14, 2012.
We would appreciate everyone’s support to make this a